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CWC 'RAF Pilot' quartz chronograph c1999

1st generation CWC quartz chronograph, as supplied to BAF

£950.00

CWC supplied mechanical aircrew chronographs to the Ministry of Defence from 1973 to 1982. When the Ministry of Defence awarded the first contract for quartz powered aircrew chronographs in the early 1980s, Seiko won the contract with the 'Gen 1' (7A28-7120) and that was the end of the CWC chronograph. However, in the early 1990s the opportunity arose again and CWC were keen to bid for the next Ministry of Defence contract to supply aircrew chronographs and produced what has since become known as the 'RAF Pilot' chronograph. Unfortunately for CWC they lost out again to the Seiko Gen 2. The CWC watch is a superior product compared to the Seiko Gen 2, but with cost cutting the order of the day, the cheaper competitor got the contract. The design of the 'RAF Pilot' chronograph is very much a quartz update of the earlier asymmetric mechanical chronographs, with similar case shape and an upper and lower pusher on the right hand side, above and below the crown. The watch uses an ETA 251.272 movement, which features a running seconds hand at the 6 position, centre sweep stopwatch seconds hand, chronograph minutes counter at the 9 position, and 1/10 second counter at the 3 subregister. The 1/10 register does not run continuously, but moves to the measured 1/10 position when the chronograph is stopped - which saves battery power. The watch also features a date indicator, which lacks a traditional quickset, which achieved by pulling the crown to the first stop and turning the crown to rapidly advance the hours hand one hour increment at a time until the desired date is displayed.

Having failed to secure an MoD contract, CWC did subsequently supply several batches to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), and the remainder of production were sold via their retail outlet. Up to around 2001 civilian issue 'RAF Pilot' chronographs had no serial number on the back, but subsequently were sold with the C marking and a serial number. Around 2005 CWC transitioned to the second generation 'RAF Pilot' chronograph, which has elliptical pushers, instead of round pushers, and uses a Ronda movement instead of the ETA. The T dialled first generation 'RAF Pilot' chronographs with the ETA movement are now collectible and sought after, especially in good condition.

This example dates from the late 1990s (c1999) and lacks the serial number seen on post-2001 examples. It was originally supplied directly by CWC in 2023, via the 'Vault' section of their website, and includes the CWC box and outer sleeve, foam inserts, warranty card, operating instructions and the CWC strap supplied with the watch in 2023. Further description of the watch is provided in the condition report below.

The watch was acquired with only light use since it was sold by CWC in 2023. Prior to listing the case and back have been ultrasonically cleaned and pushers greased, movement checked over, jewels oiled, and a new battery fitted. The watch is in near mint cosmetic condition with very little sign of use. The dial and hands in very good condition. The crystal has only minor marks from handly and light use and is in very good condition. Please refer to the images to make your own judgement about the condition of the watch.

The watch has been fully tested and is in full working order with all functions operating correctly.

The watch is supplied with the original CWC 20mm NATO strap provided by CWC when the watch was supplied via the Vault. The strap is in only very lightly used condition, but has an extra hole which has been added between two of the existing holes.

This is a superb example of a relatively rare watch which is absolutely suitable for everyday use. However, it is a vintage watch so is not recommended for sports or use in extreme conditions. The watch has not been pressure tested so water resistance is not guaranteed. This watch is covered by our waterproof 6 month guarantee.